Birthday Ice Cream

Here's a short video of Miki's friends singing Happy Birthday.

Happy 5th, Miki!

On February 12th Miki celebrated her 5th birthday. We had a small party at home and opened Nana's and Grammy's presents. The girls loved the crafts and ribbons. Thank you very much for your thoughts and generosity.

Ericka whipped up a whacky cake and Miki blew out her 5 candles in one breath.

First Snow

Although it didn't amount to much, the girls sure enjoyed the first snowfall of 2011. By the end of the day it had all melted but not before we managed to roll a small snowman.

Still here

I can't believe a month has passed since my previous post/update. Jeesh...

Anyway, here are some recent photos of the girls. Miki celebrates her 5th birthday this month (12th of Feb.) and Sam is hot on her heels. All is well here, though I do wish we were getting some of that snowstorm currently raging across the U.S.

Kashima-Jinja

In Japan, the first few days of the new year are an important time for families to visit a local, Shinto shrine to pay respects and also ask for kind benevolence throughout the coming year. This occasion is called "Hatsumode" (hot-tsu-moe-day) and 2 days ago we visited Kashima-Jinja in Machida with our good friends, the Koizumi's.

Following our commune with the various Gods that inhabit this particular shrine, we made our way to a restaurant for refreshments and food.

Kampaii kami-sama!! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Christmas 2010

Well, here it is on January 1st, Happy New Year everyone!

And I am just getting around to posting our photos from Christmas morning.

Thank you to the grandparents for the many wonderful packages and gifts.

E's new Trek!

A few weeks ago we finally were able to purchase a bike for Ericka. And, as you can see from the photos, a child seat for either Sam or Miki.

Fun, fun, fun...